Fans of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class, also affectionately known as the ‘Baby Merc’ or ‘Baby S-Class’, will be pleased to know that the latest version has received much more than just a facelift. Among the C-Class family is the C 200 Avantgarde (the last denotes that the iconic Mercedes star emblem is embedded in the radiator grille as opposed to its normal position on the bonnet), a car that proudly lives up to a statement made by the automaker that the “Baby Merc is all grown upâ€.
As standard with luxury sedans, the C 200 Avantgarde features the usual array of driving modes – ECO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ – each of which offers a varying level of responsiveness and kick to match. There is even an Individual setting that enables owners to tailor-fit the vehicle’s driving systems to suit their personal preferences.
Even in the most subdued modes, that of ECO or Comfort, which have been designed to conserve fuel and provide a more comfortable driving experience, respectively, the C 200 still behaves with a surprising degree of spunk when the pedal is put to the metal. While there remains a hint of dampening when the accelerator is fully depressed in ECO mode, it’s unlikely that you’ll even notice any loss of performance when it’s being used under the conditions intended for it – manoeuvring through urban traffic, which is the ideal time to optimise fuel economy, and responding nimbly to your very command.
In Comfort mode, the powertrain response is livelier for that satisfying burst of speed when required, but gear-shifting and responsiveness is smoothed out to offer a comfort-oriented drive. This is complemented by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission to ensure that gear shifts occur seamlessly, which not only leads to a more enjoyable driving experience but further improves the C 200’s already impressive fuel economy of 5.3l/100km.
When Sport or Sport+ modes are engaged, the C-Class delivers an acceleration and punch that will put a smile on even the most die-hard sports car enthusiast. With a flick of a button, the steering wheel tightens to offer an even greater level of responsiveness. The car itself is lowered to improve stability, and the adaptive dampers are further engaged to reduce roll and understeering. By virtue of its 184hp four-cylinder engine, the C 200 is more than capable of making that show of force when one needs to overtake pesky lane-hoggers in a hurry.
As befitting its athletic silhouette, the C 200 gives a sense of solid reassurance regardless of road and driving conditions. Whether you’re going up the winding roads of Genting Highlands or cruising on the open highway, the C 200 drives with the effortless grace that we have come to associate with Mercedes.
Looking at the miscellaneous features offered by the C 200, a reversing camera now comes as standard, while the optional Active Parking Assist feature actually enables the vehicle to park itself in both end-on and parallel parking spaces. This, coupled with the standard Keyless-Go system that allows the engine to be turned on and off, and the car to be (un)locked without the key ever having to leave your pocket, makes owning a C 200 all the more hassle-free.
The C 200 is bigger than the preceding C-Class in every aspect. The 80mm increase in wheelbase, and 95mm and 40mm increase in body length and width, respectively, result in a more spacious interior and a generous 480l of boot-space, making the C 200 as ideal a family car as it is an executive’s stallion. In addition, the new C 200 is almost 100kg lighter than its predecessor, a feat Mercedes has achieved by increasing the composition of aluminium in its construction from 10 per cent to almost 50 per cent. This, on top of its overall lower centre of gravity, endows the C 200 with a nimbleness that belies its status as a sedan.
Step inside and be immersed in a cocoon of luxury that’s on par with the E and S-Classes. The spacious interior brings together sporty and refined elements in the form of the cool metallic dashboard, which contrasts nicely with the rich wooden surfaces of the centre console. The luscious leather seats add another layer of refinement, boasting clean lines to convey a greater sense of space and that refreshing 21st century vibe. To top it off, ambient lighting can be tuned to the mood of the C 200 owner, and is available in three hues and varying brightness levels.
To sum it up, the new C 200 is a well-rounded sedan that fulfils every imaginable role required by the 21st century urbanite looking to arrive at his destination in utmost style. At the same time, it can be transformed into a spunky little car that promises a highly enjoyable drive at a moment’s notice. It’s no exaggeration to say, then, that the C 200 is the only car you’ll ever need.
